Vietnam Adventure on a Shoestring Budget: Nature and Foodie Itinerary

Day 1: Urban Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Pho Hoa

Start your day with a steaming bowl of authentic Vietnamese pho at Pho Hoa, a local favorite.
Located in the heart of the city, just a short walk from most hotels.
CURRENCY70,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit War Remnants Museum

Explore the impactful exhibits at the War Remnants Museum to understand Vietnam's history.
A 15-minute walk from Pho Hoa.
CURRENCY40,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Ben Thanh Market

Savor local delicacies and street food at Ben Thanh Market, where the food stalls come alive with flavors.
A 10-minute walk from the museum.
CURRENCY100,000, 1.5 hours

1:30PM

Explore Only One Pillar Pagoda

Take a quick visit to the iconic Only One Pillar Pagoda, a significant Buddhist temple.
Catch a taxi from Ben Thanh Market to the pagoda.
CURRENCY20,000, 1 hour

3:00PM

Stroll in the Tao Dan Park

Relax and enjoy the greenery at Tao Dan Park, perfect for unwinding after museum visits.
A short taxi ride from the pagoda.
Free, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Com Nieu Sai Gon

Indulge in a unique clay pot rice meal while watching the local crowd at Com Nieu Sai Gon.
A cheap Grab ride from the park.
CURRENCY120,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Mekong Delta Adventure

Mekong Delta, Vietnam

7:00AM

Breakfast at local vendor

Grab a bánh mì from a local vendor for a quick breakfast to fuel your day.
Walk to the nearest vendor.
CURRENCY25,000, 30 minutes

8:00AM

Take a boat tour in Mekong Delta

Experience the charming rivers and floating markets of the Mekong Delta on a local boat tour.
Book a tour from Ho Chi Minh City - 1.5-hour bus transfer included.
CURRENCY1,200,000, 6 hours

2:00PM

Lunch on the boat

Enjoy a simple meal of local river fish and rice, prepared fresh during your tour.
Provided as part of the tour.
Included, 1 hour

3:00PM

Visit a local village

Explore a local village, meet the inhabitants, and learn about their daily life and handicrafts.
Included in the boat tour itinerary.
Included, 2 hours

5:30PM

Return to Ho Chi Minh City

Take a relaxing bus ride back to Ho Chi Minh City.
End of the boat tour will provide transportation back.
Included, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Pho 24

Head to Pho 24 for a comforting bowl of pho to cap off your day.
Short taxi ride back from your hotel.
CURRENCY70,000, 1 hour
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Day 3: Cultural Immersion

Hoi An, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Morning Glory

Enjoy classic Vietnamese breakfast dishes at the renowned Morning Glory, known for its use of fresh ingredients.
Walk from your hotel in Hoi An.
CURRENCY75,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Explore Hoi An Ancient Town

Stroll through the UNESCO World Heritage site where ancient architecture, shops, and lanterns await.
Entry tickets are needed so prepare beforehand.
CURRENCY120,000, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Cao Lau

Try the local specialty, Cao Lau noodles, at a small local eatery for an unforgettable taste.
Walk to a nearby local eatery.
CURRENCY50,000, 1 hour

2:00PM

Take a cooking class

Join a cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare Vietnamese dishes using local ingredients.
Book a local cooking class in advance.
CURRENCY400,000, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Secret Garden

Savor dinner at Secret Garden, offering a tranquil setting and authentic Vietnamese flavors.
Located a short walk from your cooking class.
CURRENCY140,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 4: Coastal Charms

Da Nang, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Da Nang Market

Experience the local life with breakfast at Da Nang Market, filled with fresh produce and local stalls.
A short walk from your hotel.
CURRENCY30,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Marble Mountains

Explore the stunning Marble Mountains, climbing up for spectacular views of Da Nang.
Take a taxi to Marble Mountains.
CURRENCY40,000, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at My Khe Beach

Relax and enjoy lunch at a beachfront restaurant with local seafood specialties.
Grab a taxi to My Khe Beach.
CURRENCY120,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Relax on the beach

Spend the afternoon lounging on My Khe Beach, enjoying the sun and surf.
No additional travel needed.
Free, 4 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at Bún Chả Cá 109

Try the famous Da Nang fish cake noodle soup at Bún Chả Cá 109, a local favorite.
Short walk from the beach.
CURRENCY70,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Historical Highlights

Hanoi, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at Giang Cafe

Start your morning with a famous egg coffee at Giang Cafe, a traditional Hanoi experience.
Walk from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
CURRENCY50,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Hoan Kiem Lake

Enjoy a leisurely walk around the peaceful Hoan Kiem Lake and visit Ngoc Son Temple.
Close proximity from Giang Cafe.
CURRENCY30,000, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Explore the Old Quarter

Wander through the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, filled with shops and street vendors.
Walk around the Old Quarter area.
Free, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at KOTO

Enjoy lunch at KOTO, a social enterprise restaurant that trains disadvantaged youth.
Short walk from the Old Quarter.
CURRENCY100,000, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum

Pay your respects at Ho Chi Minh’s Mausoleum, an important landmark in Vietnam's capital.
Catch a taxi from lunch.
Free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Cha Ca Thang Long

Try the iconic Cha Ca, a grilled fish dish served with herbs, rice noodles, and peanuts at Cha Ca Thang Long.
A short taxi ride from the mausoleum.
CURRENCY150,000, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Nature Excursion

Ninh Binh, Vietnam

8:00AM

Breakfast at a local café

Start your day with a simple Vietnamese breakfast at a local café in Hanoi.
Walk from your accommodation.
CURRENCY40,000, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Ninh Binh

Take a bus to Ninh Binh, known for its stunning landscapes of mountains and rivers.
Board the bus at the local station.
CURRENCY100,000, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch by the river

Enjoy lunch at riverside restaurants, trying local specialties like goat meat.
Walk from the bus station to the river restaurants.
CURRENCY100,000, 1 hour

1:30PM

Take a boat ride in Tam Coc

Experience the breathtaking scenery while rowing through rice paddies and limestone karsts in Tam Coc.
Boat rental is available at Tam Coc entrance.
CURRENCY150,000, 2 hours

4:00PM

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Explore Bich Dong Pagoda, situated amidst beautiful mountains, and enjoy the serene surroundings.
A short bike ride from Tam Coc.
CURRENCY20,000, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at local eatery

Conclude your trip with dinner at a local eatery, enjoying the regional dishes before heading back.
Return back to town and choose a busy local spot.
CURRENCY80,000, 1.5 hours
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